Exhibition: An exhibition titled ‘A tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’ portraying four important events; Thailand and Bhutan relations, the biography of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, royal activities and the mourning of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, opened in the capital yesterday.

The exhibition is considered as a token of appreciation from the people of Thailand to His Majesty The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Royal Family and the people of Bhutan since the people of Thailand is genuinely moved by the sympathy of the Royal Family and the government of Bhutan.

His Majesty The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was the first foreign monarch to travel to Thailand to pay His last respects to the Late King of Thailand while monasteries in Bhutan conducted prayers for the Late King.

Her Royal Highness Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, Her Royal Highness Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck, Her Royal Highness Princess Kesang Choden Wangchuck and His Royal Highness Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck graced the opening of the exhibition.

A 35-member delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Minister for Culture of Thailand and the ambassador of Thailand to Bhutan are in the country to hold the exhibition. The delegation will be in the country until December 11.

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, said the exhibition features His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accomplishments and the warm and friendly relations between the two countries.

“The artistic frames and compositions reflect the friendly sentiments of the Thai people to the Bhutanese people. In fact, these colourful photos will allow Bhutanese people to know His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the country of Thailand,” General Thanasak Patimaprakorn said.

The countries have expressed a commitment to lead policies and plans called self-sufficiency, a term coined by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and Gross National Happiness a term coined by His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, General Thanasak Patimaprakorn said. “In Thailand, self-sufficiency alone is focussed on living a moderate and self-dependant life without the over exploitation of natural resources, all of which supports the ultimate goal of happiness. The two national ideologies are significant parts of the cultural cooperation between the two countries given the unique role in enhancing mutual understanding, trust and friendship.”

Foreign minister Damcho Dorji said it is an honour Bhutan is the first country to be chosen by the Royal Thai Government to hold the exhibition and that the Royal Government deeply appreciates the gesture shown by the Royal Thai Government.

“This reflects the goodwill and importance the government and people of Thailand attaches to the relations between the two countries. The presence of Their Royal Highnesses is a testimony to the deep respect His Majesty The King and the Royal Family have for the Late Majesty and Thailand,” Lyonpo said.

“His Late Majesty is revered not just in Thailand but also in Bhutan. We were deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of a great dharma king of our times. We join the Thai delegation and Thai community to celebrate and remember the noble achievements and contributions of His Late Majesty for the benefit of the Thai people and humankind in general,” Lyonpo said.

“We hope to remember and appreciate some of His Late Majesty’s achievements through the photo exhibition. Bhutan enjoys growing ties and friendship with Thailand. The foundation of this friendship is secured in a common spiritual heritage, shared reverence to the institution of monarchy and the legacy of sovereign independence. Our cooperation in diverse fields such as human resource development, education and trade has further strengthened this enduring relation,” Lyonpo said.

He added that the tribute will remind viewers of the noble contributions and sacrifices made by the Late King.

Lyonpo also congratulated the people of Thailand on the accession to the throne by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The exhibition, which will go on until the end of this month, is being held at the Voluntary Artists’ Studio in Thimphu. It is open to the public.

The Ministry of Culture of Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka are organising the exhibition.

Thinley Zangmo